Pr 10.22
²² It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich,
And He adds no sorrow to it.

The Parts

blessing of the Lord – always sourced in the Lord, His ways, what He is doing, and His ways through His people (e.g., kindness, grace, truth, love . . . )

rich –

sorrow – grief, anxiety, but often inner in its impact!

References to consider:

Pr 22.4
⁴ The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord
Are riches, honor and life.

Pr 12.2
² A good man will obtain favor from the Lord,
But He will condemn a man who devises evil.

Pr 15.16
¹⁶ Better is a little with the fear of the Lord
Than great treasure and turmoil with it.

cf. Pr16.8; 28.6

Sharpening for my life today:

This gem from Proverbs touches on the reality of riches. Living in a culture consumed by capitalism which determines much of worth and respect and merit and prominence and value on “riches,” this jewel is well worth your pondering as you walk through life.

The first thing to note is the Author of riches is the Lord! This does not say that our responsibility is not diligence in our tasks, it most definitely is! cf. Pr10.4 Yet, it is arrogance of the highest order to think one “makes” what we have. The Lord most definitely is the source of blessing. His blessing does numerous things. For one, it provides for us. Probably more important, it is our storehouse to be used of Him for sharing His blessing with others. Equally important, it tests us in our allegiance to Him! Read carefully Pr11.24-27 and give it some time to settle in your heart!

The second thing we need to note is the blessing of the Lord is not mixed with painful or sorrowful accompaniment. This doesn’t mean there isn’t labor involved for labor is not sorrowful!

Here is a key lesson: the righteous person works diligently with what is before him and the Lord’s blessing / benediction is upon him! Here is blessing! Those who gain only by strenuous labor may acquire but there is no blessing accrued!

So, how can I weigh / assess my accumulation / riches / assets to see if they are of the Lord?

1) Is the Lord getting the glory?

2) Am I seeing the Lord “through” the blessing, or am I just seeing the blessing?

3) Is there sorrow, grief, anxiety with the “blessing” (this isn’t saying there wasn’t labor with the blessing)?

4) Do I see the Lord working through the blessing or am I only seeing my “sufficiency”?

5) Maybe most importantly, am I satisfied with the Lord’s blessing to me?

Remember, ill-gotten riches always come with the emptiness of sorrow, grief, anxiety, and no blessing!

When we work, recognizing the Lord’s blessing is upon us, there is no “sorrow” as He blesses. We see His hand! We’re used of Him to bless others! We are, indeed, rich!